Imaging Platform Vibration Control for Motion Blur Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for stabilizing images captured by moving image capture devices, such as those on air-based or ground-based vehicles, often result in blur and distortions due to relative motion, which can lead to inefficient and costly solutions like slewing or complex optical elements.
Innovation Solution
Inducing controlled sinusoidal vibrations in the imaging platform using mechanical actuators, synchronized with the frame rate of the image capture devices, to counteract relative motion and maintain a stable line of sight, thereby reducing blur and distortions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional stabilization methods (slewing or complex optical elements) are used to counteract relative motion, then image stability is improved, but device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by inducing controlled sinusoidal vibrations in the imaging platform using mechanical actuators. The vibration frequency is synchronized with the frame rate of the image capture devices, creating a periodic motion that counteracts the relative motion between the platform and the region of interest. This mechanical vibration approach replaces complex optical stabilization elements with a simpler vibrational control mechanism, thereby improving image stability while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by using sinusoidal vibrations that occur at a frequency synchronized with the frame rate of the image capture devices. This periodic vibrational pattern creates predictable, repeating cycles of motion that can be precisely timed to counteract the continuous relative motion of the platform. The periodic nature of the vibration allows for systematic control and synchronization with the imaging process, achieving stability without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional stabilization methods are used to reduce blur and distortions, then image quality is improved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mechanical vibration to reduce blur and distortions by inducing controlled sinusoidal vibrations in the imaging platform. The vibration is synchronized with the frame rate, creating a periodic motion pattern that counteracts relative motion during image capture. This approach improves image quality by eliminating motion-induced blur while avoiding the high operational costs associated with conventional slewing mechanisms or complex optical stabilization systems, as the vibrational control requires less energy and simpler hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the frequency and amplitude of the induced vibrations to match the frame rate and specific imaging requirements. By synchronizing the vibration frequency with the frame rate and optimizing the amplitude to counteract relative motion, the system achieves high-quality images with reduced blur and distortions. This parameter optimization allows for effective stabilization at lower operational costs compared to conventional methods that require continuous mechanical adjustment or complex optical elements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If high-frequency continuous stabilization is applied, then image stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces energy consumption by using periodic sinusoidal vibrations synchronized with the frame rate instead of continuous high-frequency stabilization. The periodic nature of the vibration allows the system to apply stabilization forces only when needed during each cycle, rather than maintaining constant corrective force. This periodic approach achieves effective image stability while significantly reducing the energy required compared to continuous stabilization methods, as the actuators can be deactivated between vibration cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs mechanical vibration at a frequency synchronized with the frame rate, which is lower than continuous high-frequency stabilization. By using resonant vibration frequencies that match the natural characteristics of the imaging platform and camera system, the actuators can achieve effective stabilization with minimal energy input. The vibrational approach leverages the system's mechanical resonance, allowing for efficient energy use while maintaining image stability throughout the exposure period.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively reduces relative motion-induced blur and distortions, allowing for high-quality image capture with reduced operational costs and complexity by leveraging resonant gain for efficient actuation.
Implementation Method 1
Inducing controlled sinusoidal vibrations in the imaging platform using mechanical actuators, synchronized with the frame rate of the image capture devices, to counteract relative motion and maintain a stable line of sight
Implementation Method 2
leveraging resonant gain for efficient actuation
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods of capturing imagery are provided. In particular, vibration can be induced in an imaging platform to eliminate blur in one or more images captured by the imaging platform. For instance, vibration having one or more predetermined characteristics can be induced in the imaging platform. The induced vibration can correlate to a sine wave. A collect period can then be identified corresponding to at least a portion of the period of the sine wave wherein the line of sight of the imaging platform approximates an ideal line of sight for eliminating relative motion between the imaging platform and a region of interest. One or more images of the region of interest can be captured by the imaging platform during the collect period. The one or more captured images can then be sent to a remote computing device for processing.